Teaching Interests

Awards

Hosler Alumni Scholar Medal, Penn State College of Earth and Mineral Sciences
Outstanding Service Award, National Weather Service Western Region
Outstanding Teaching Award, University of Utah College of Mines and Earth Sciences

Books

"Secrets of the Greatest Snow on Earth covers all of the essential topics for Utah powder lovers of every stripe. Jim Steenburgh's dual passion for powder skiing and the science behind the weather that produces Utah's legendary snowfall make him the ultimate authority on 'The Greatest Snow on Earth'."Nathan Rafferty, President, Ski Utah

"I have eagerly awaited the publication of Jim Steenburgh's book. Jim is one of those popular and charismatic professors with the rare gift of being able to explain complex science in layman's terms while also infecting his audience with his boundless enthusiasm and energy . . . Many of my conversations with him, lectures I've attended, and questions I've asked him are combined into one easy-to-understand book for the general public."Bruce Tremper, Utah Avalanche Center

"An entertaining, expert discussion on the science behind snow and skiing. A great read for snow lovers and ski enthusiasts alike."Thomas Niziol, Winter Weather Expert at The Weather Channel

"Secrets of the Greatest Snow on Earth will prove to be the primer for debates and inquiries about why Wasatch snow is so great."Onno Wieringa, General Manager, Alta Ski Area

Utah has long claimed to have the greatest snow on Earththe state itself has even trademarked the phrase. In Secrets of the Greatest Snow on Earth, Jim Steenburgh investigates Wasatch weather, exposing the myths, explaining the reality, and revealing how and why Utah's powder lives up to its reputation. Steenburgh also examines ski and snowboard regions beyond Utah, making this book a meteorological guide to mountain weather and snow climates around the world.

Chapters explore mountain weather, avalanches and snow safety, historical accounts of weather events and snow conditions, and the basics of climate and weather forecasting. Steenburgh explains what creates the best snow for skiing and snowboarding in accurate and accessible language and illustrates his points with 150 color photographs, making Secrets of the Greatest Snow on Earth a helpful tool for planning vacations and staying safe during mountain adventures. Snowriders, weather enthusiasts, meteorologists, students of snow science, and anyone who dreams of deep powder and bluebird skies will want to get their gloves on Secrets of the Greatest Snow on Earth.

Peer-Reviewed Publications (Published, accepted, or in review)

Gowan, T. M., W. J. Steenburgh, and C. S. Schwartz, 2017: Validation of mountain precipitation forecasts from the convection-permitting NCAR Ensemble and operational forecast systems over the western United States. Submitted to Wea. Forecasting. Available upon request.